Basketball rules – Free Throw

PROCEDURE. When a free throw is awarded, the official takes the ball to the free-throw line of the offended team. After waiting a reasonable time for the players to take their positions, the official indicates the number of free throws that are being awarded and places the ball at the disposal of the free thrower, who then must make the throw within 10 seconds. PLAYER POSITIONS. On a free throw for a personal foul, the free thrower’ s opponents are conceded the most favorable positions for recovery of the ball if the throw is not successful. They occupy the two 3-foot spaces nearest the basket on either side of the free-throw lane. Otherwise, opponents are entitled to alternate lane positions. Only the four marked lane spaces on each lane line may be occupied. All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the three-point field-goal line.

If the ball is to be dead after an unsuccessful last free throw (as for a technical foul), players do not take positions along the free-throw lane, since no recovery is possible.

THE FREE THROWER. The offended player attempts the free throw for a personal foul. Should that player be injured or disqualified, his or her substitute attempts the throw. On a technical foul, however, the free throw may be attempted by any player of the opposing team, including an entering substitute.

The free thrower or any player beyond the three-point arc may not enter the free-throw lane until the ball touches the ring or backboard. However, all players who are lined up in marked lane spaces may enter the lane once the free thrower releases the ball.

RESUMPTION OF PLAY. If a single free throw (or second of two free throws, or third of three free throws) is successful, the ball is put in play by opponents with a throw-in, as after a field goal. If the free throw is missed (except on a technical, intentional or flagrant personal foul), play is resumed via recovery of the rebound.